This recipe is great for any level home cook. It is simplistic in nature, yet is ALWAYS a hit. This is one of those recipes that you want to keep in your back pocket for parties and special occasions: just double the recipe and transport your ricotta stuffed shells in a large square tupperware container. You can also freeze your stuffed shells and serve them at a later date!
HOW TO FREEZE YOUR STUFFED SHELLS:
Fill all the shells with your ricotta mixture and place on a sheet pan. Cover your shells with a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer your shells to a large ziploc freezer bag. Squeeze out all of the air, and return back to the freezer. You can freeze these stuffed shells for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to eat them: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add 1/2 cup marinara to a baking dish. Place the frozen shells on top, open side up, and add an additional 2 cups of marinara. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Grate mozzarella over the top and bake an additional 5 minutes.
Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 12 ounce box of jumbo shells
- 1 24 ounce jar of marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 15 ounces ricotta (about 1/2 of a 32 ounce container)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella Plus extra to sprinkle on top
- 3/4 cup powdered Parmesan (or shredded, if you have it!)
- 1 tbsp pureed Italian herbs (the squeeze bottle, see notes at end of recipe)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Notes
- The Italian herb stir-in puree that I use is ‘That’s Tasty’ Organic puree. Once opened, it lasts refrigerated for 6 months, so it has become an absolute must have in my fridge. I use it all the time when I don’t have fresh herbs, and it tastes amazing. It includes oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram and other ingredients to make a fresh flavored, no mess puree.
- The ‘baking dish’ that I like to use in family style recipes like this is myLe Creuset Oval Casserole Dish. I find that aesthetically, I like to serve family style dishes in colorful cookware. I believe it adds a more ‘homey’ feel to the dish. I cooked the rest of my shells that did not fit in another casserole dish of a different color, so there is some variety on the dining room table!
- I tried the piping method by spooning the mixture into a zip lock bag and cutting the end of the bag with scissors…I found that this method technically worked, but I kept getting holes in my bag and filling was getting everywhere. I found that the simple method of spooning the mixture into the shell was actually a lot easier, and this is what I would recommend.
Did you like my ‘Ricotta Stuffed Shells’ recipe?
If so, go check out my ‘One Pot Chicken and Rice‘ recipe!
The ‘baking dish’ that I like to use in family style recipes like this is my Le Creuset Oval Casserole Dish. I find that aesthetically, I like to serve family style dishes in colorful cookware. I believe it adds a more ‘homey’ feel to the dish. This classic casserole dish evenly distributes heat and has a smooth enamel that resists chipping and cleans easily. Definitely a kitchen essential! And there are over 7 colors to choose from! Mine is orange, but check out this Marine Blue!
